My travel wish list: 10 top destinations (part 2)

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Here's a continuation of my top 10 wish list places to travel to in the world, going from #4 to #6:

4.) Peru/Chile

I debated whether to add this popular South American destination to my list because everyone and their grandmother seems to visit Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and Cusco.  I do as well, but is there any time of the year that would be more ideal than another, where the crowds wouldn’t overrun the place?  Probably not, but I’d definitely consider this a must-see.

 

A greater personal objective in exploring Peru would be to see more of its natural beauty, like Lake Titicaca, the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachin Sand Dunes, the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon.  I may want to even discover a little more about the Japanese who moved to Peru and find places that offer that aspect of the culture.

One of my older sisters traveled to Chile and wanted me to help her plan the trip, but frankly I didn’t know much about it.  Now I know that I would love it visit its wine country the Lake District, as well as Patagonia.  What’s interesting is that the Nazca Lines, the mysterious ancient monument carved into the earth, is in both Chile and Peru.  So if I visit one or the other country, I’d be certain to see this wonder.

5.) South Africa

Growing up in the 1980s, I constantly heard the message to avoid travel to South Africa, because of its discriminatory and abhorrent apartheid policy that came to light during that time.  Obviously, it’s different now, and people can appreciate the scenic, cultural and natural treasures this country offers.  If I were to go there, I would probably visit a few wineries for tastings (are you noticing a theme here?) and trying some of local culinary delights.  I would love to see how Cape Town compares to my beloved San Francisco, and find ways to listen to local music.

 

Perhaps a more appealing activity for me than just drinking and dining would be the wildlife.  I’ve never been enthusiastic to go on a safari, but I would probably go the Kruger National Park and view animals in their natural habitat.  Even more so, I’d love to see the African penguins in a various areas around the country.

6.) Thailand/Vietnam

So after reading these other wish list destinations, you probably think that I’m a major wino.  I can be, but I also love food.  These two countries represent some of my favorite kinds of cuisine, so much of this trip would center around that aspect of their cultures.  I would probably go on culinary tours to sample street food, shop in markets and do tastings at restaurants.  I would likely try things that I normally would never eat, like insects.

 

In Thailand, I’d love to visit the highland city of Chiang Mai and the beaches in the southwest.  I would still want to explore Phuket and Ko Samui, even if overtourism has been a recent issue.  I’m a bit iffy on Bangkok, but I’d at least see part of it flying in and connecting.  With Vietnam, I would go on a historical tour and learn more about the war, but from the locals’ perspective.  Again, it would like to visit breathtaking Ha Long Bay in the northern area of the country, but I’m afraid it would be overrun with visitors.

Next time...I finish up my dream travel list.